Last year, when the City was looking for efficiencies to reduce costs, the Community Sandboxes program was identified as a potential reduction. This decision was approved as part of the budget process in 2015 (see page 27), and will save approximately $300,000 in taxpayer dollars annually.

Instead of offering free sand for the public at community centres across the city, sand will now be provided at the five Roadway Maintenance yards. By having sand in all the districts across the City, we are still making sure that it is available to those who need it, no matter where they live. Citizens can also visit a retailer to purchase an inexpensive bag of sand.

Additionally, we are offering sandboxes (with City of Edmonton identification removed) to community leagues should they wish to manage the boxes themselves.